WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

AB 992

Relating to: requirements for proposed administrative rules that impose costs. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dave Armstrong and 20 co-sponsors

Wisconsin bill requiring state agencies to conduct cost-benefit analyses before implementing administrative rules that impose expenses on businesses, individuals, or local governments.

Fiscal estimate received
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 992

Legislative bill overview

AB 992 establishes new requirements for state agencies proposing administrative rules that would impose costs on businesses, individuals, or local governments. The bill appears to mandate fiscal impact analysis and potentially cost-benefit documentation before rules can be implemented. Multiple fiscal estimates have been requested, suggesting the bill's scope and requirements are still being clarified.

Why is this important

Administrative rules are how state agencies implement laws without going through the full legislative process. This bill would add procedural hurdles to that process by requiring cost analysis upfront. This affects how quickly agencies can regulate and may influence which rules get proposed, potentially impacting environmental protection, workplace safety, consumer protection, and other regulated areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory burden vs. public protection: Stricter requirements for rule-making could slow agency responses to emerging public health, safety, or environmental issues, or conversely, ensure taxpayers understand regulatory costs beforehand
  • Definition of "costs": The bill's impact depends heavily on what counts as an imposable cost—broad definitions could paralyze routine administrative updates; narrow ones could be easily circumvented
  • Who bears the analysis burden: Unclear whether agencies must fund extensive cost studies, potentially diverting resources from their primary missions, or whether simplified analysis suffices

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.